In an innovative blend of art and environmental awareness, the City of Chattanooga collaborates with River City Company and Art 120 to introduce "Arts Week." This event aims to highlight the synergy between nature and creativity through interactive art experiences. The community is invited to participate in crafting a giant turtle sculpture made from recycled materials in Miller Park on April 24. Besides this hands-on activity, attendees can explore new designs for Riverfront Parks and provide feedback. The event also showcases bike-turned-art projects by local students, food trucks, live performances, music, and oversized games. Emily Mack, President and CEO of River City Company, emphasizes the importance of integrating art, nature, and play into urban spaces.

A Community Celebration: Creating Terra the Turtle

On a crisp spring day in Miller Park, residents of Chattanooga gathered to bring "Terra the Turtle" to life under the guidance of artist J. Baker. Sculpted entirely from salvaged scraps, this eastern box turtle masterpiece symbolizes the potential of combining creativity with conservation. Participants enjoyed not only creating art but also reviewing drafts of new playground structures inspired by the same turtle species, offering their thoughts to refine the final design. Local students contributed unique artworks crafted from bicycles, adding a youthful flair to the celebration. Food trucks, street performers, music, and large-scale games further enriched the experience. This event is part of the ongoing "Take a Break" series, initiated last summer to foster community engagement every Thursday in Miller Park.

The integration of art and environmental stewardship showcased during this event serves as a powerful reminder of the impact communities can have when they unite around shared values. By encouraging public participation in both artistic creation and park design, Chattanooga demonstrates how collaboration can lead to vibrant public spaces that reflect the spirit of its residents. As we celebrate Earth Week alongside Arts Week, it becomes clear that fostering creativity and sustainability hand-in-hand can inspire meaningful change and enhance our quality of life.